Another oil change @ 10,777 miles. Computer said 21% remaining which extrapolates to a 13,600 mile change interval. That is ridiculous. For the record, it took 3 makeup quarts over this period and was overdue for another one...
Changed coolant.
I was expecting grocery store brand distilled water but they only had Poland Spring. Can someone explain branded distilled water? The whole point of spring water is....the minerals. Also, distilled water is supposed to be all the same, other than perhaps the exact microscopic level of purity. Weird.
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Rotated tires. It definitely prefers less inflation. I think these large 255/50-20s just don't need that much pressure. I tended to run maybe 2 psi higher than stock but not sure if maybe it wants even a bit less than stock for best wear. It probably only has one more year on the tires. Basically this would have to be their last winter then probably due for a set next fall.
Clears the garage door opener at full height which is good, though I had to close the garage door.
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Remove under cover, shove a length of hose on the nipple under the passenger side lower radiator support (which is also the drain hole) and open the drain cock. It slowly drains without having to disconnect any hoses.
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Also, right front wheel bearing is beginning to develop some play. Everything on the right. Some years ago it needed a right outer tie rod. And even more years ago it needed a right rear wheel bearing. WTF?
However, I discovered some concerning rust issues on the right side of the car. I noted that some frame rot has already resulted in some missing metal on the rear passenger side area. My STS had this but it was way worse on the STS (and it was worse on the driver's side). Things were going fine until I started doing my final inspection with the wheels off. Front brakes are due soon, as usual. Right side more worn than left. No, the real issue is this. Right rear upper spring mount. The front section of it broke off from the body and has shifted up by over an inch. Maybe almost 1-1/4".
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For comparison here is the driver's side.
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To be honest the driver's side is starting but hasn't moved yet. Here are some piles of rust.
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The right side of the vehicle sits about 1/2" lower than the left at the rear wheel well. I think the reason it isn't worse (aside from the anti-roll bar) is the auto leveling Sachs Nivomat rear shocks. The shock is actually holding some of the load, which is actually a really good thing I guess. The spring mount has pretty much pressed against the body but if the rear part ever fatigues/rusts/lets go that rear spring is basically going to fly out. How long was it like this? No clue. Could be a couple years. Sticker expires 3/23. If I were a shop, I probably wouldn't pass this.
I would normally be happy to proceed with mechanical work as needed (including brakes, tires, whatever) but under these circumstances, and the fact that the paint is starting to bubble on the driver's side wheel well, it's probably time to part with this vehicle. It has the exact same mileage my STS did when I got rid of it, 158k.
I think the plan is to borrow a car from my parents, sell this, and then shop for something else.
As for something else, I'm leaning toward like a 2014-2017-ish Acura MDX for probably low $20k's. Should have under 100k. Maybe I can find one that already had the timing belt service but I bet they will all be due.
MDX might get another 2 mpg better and also run on 87 so actually that will be some savings.
Mercedes ML/GLE-350 is a similar price. Interestingly, the ML/GLE-400 with the M276 turbo is also the same price. Personally, I would probably select that if I was choosing a crossover. But, not sure it's worth it. Also, those do not have a third row. So MDX is really looking like a pretty practical choice.
I have never had a worse week for car fleet news. My god.
All cleaned up I might be able to get $5k for the SRX. I will have to disclose the issues I am aware of. If that halts the sale of it then I guess I would have to pursue the trade-in option (or whatever cash buy plan I've seen online from KBB or others). I would expect on the order of $2k for trade-in. I'd rather have the $5k.
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